SEBASTIAN — The Sebastian City Council Wednesday evening approved a resolution allowing a dentist to fill in a pond on his 2-acre property, despite concerns from residents.
Vero Beach dentist Dr. David Brooks sought, and ultimately won, approval to fill in a pond on a 2-acre, commercially zoned property he owns adjacent to the Sebastian Lakes subdivision.
The project engineer said Brooks plans to construct a dental office on the property.
The Council’s decision came after listening to a roomful of subdivision residents voice their opposition to the plan and after questioning the project engineer at length. The answers received apparently were enough for the Council to provide its blessing.
Sebastian Lakes residents had stated the same concerns during the City Planning and Zoning meeting in September: the possible destruction of a berm and vegetative buffer, the small wetlands area and wildlife therein, and existing oak trees; and who would be responsible for maintenance of the remaining pond.
At that time, the P&Z, after lengthy discussion, approved the request, with conditions crafted to address residents’ concerns.
Staff brought the revised resolution to Council along with the P&Z recommendation and the required approvals from the St. Johns River Water Management District and the Army Corps of Engineers.
Although the resolution clearly covered the issues, the residents remained worried, and Council had some questions as well. Following about an hour of discussion, all questions appeared to be answered to the satisfaction of all.
Council voted 4-0 to approve the resolution, with the recommended conditions. Councilman Jim Hill was absent.
Staff and Council assured residents that the developer would have to return to the City for approvals during each step of the process.
